Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday assigned portfolios to the newly inaugurated commissioners following his earlier charge to them that nothing short of excellence will be acceptable from his cabinet members.
With the 16 commissioners expected to resume duty immediately, the portfolios were assigned 24 hours after their inauguration on Monday.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Idowu Ajanaku will head the Information and Orientation Ministry, while Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun will be in charge of the Ministry of Education.
Others include Ayorinde Abiola (Infrastructure, Lands, and Housing), Ayodele Akande (Water Resources and Public Sanitation), Alabi Johnson (Energy and Mineral Resources), Amidu Takuro (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Adewale Akinlosotu (Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations), and Seun Abosede Osamaye (Women Affairs and Social Development).
Also, Olaolu Akindolire will oversee Budget and Economic Planning, Sunday Olajide (Physical Planning and Urban Development), Omoyofunmi Segun Henry (Youths and Sports Development), Bola Ademuwagun (Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives), Leye Akinola (Agriculture and Forestry), Banji Awolowo Ajaka (Health), and Adesoji Afolabi (Culture and Tourism).
While stressing that the expectations of the people are high in anticipation for good governance, Aiyedatiwa had, during the swearing-in, urged them to hit the ground running instantly.
According to the governor, the new appointments were deliberately delayed since February, when he assumed office, emphasising that his administration believed in slow and steady governance as well as prioritising consistency, goal attainment, and sustained progress over haste.
He said, “The people of Ondo State expect nothing but the best from us, having entrusted us with an overwhelming mandate, and we must strive to deliver on all our electioneering promises.
“This concept highlights the value of persistence, patience, and steady progress in achieving goals. Within the first 100 days of our administration, we have been able to prove that slow and steady wins the race.”
Aiyedatiwa, who urged the newly inaugurated commissioners to discharge their duties with a high sense of integrity and patriotism, cautioned the families and associates of the new commissioners against exerting undue pressure on them for personal or sectional gains.
Speaking on the issue of security, the governor emphasised that his government has remained resolute in the fight against criminality, Aiyedatiwa noting the recent approval of a bill seeking stiffer penalties, including the death sentence, for kidnappers and abductors.
The governor also assured those who are yet to be appointed that there are ample opportunities to serve the state in various capacities.
